My Coronado Is Haunted

Everyone from local Ghost Tours to the acclaimed ‘Ghost Hunters’ television show shines their spotlights on Kate in November. That’s why I was able to take a picture with her (or, the woman playing her).

After Babcock, Lacey and I wandered around the first 2 levels of the Hotel. The lobby, Hotel shops and historical exhibits are here. There are several tributes to Marilyn Monroe, the iconic film ‘Some Like It Hot’ was filmed at the Del, and displays of guest books dating back to the 1800’s.

Kate is most frequently seen in her room, #302 is now the most popular room in the hotel, and in ‘Established in 1888’ – a lobby-level store where, much to the astonishment of the staff, she routinely trashes the Marilyn exhibits.

But Kate is not the only Del ghost. Another woman is frequently seen. The woman, whose name is still a well-kept secret, is rumored to have been the mistress of the original Del owner, Elisha Babcock.

Room 502, now 3502, was their love nest. She killed herself there after discovering an unwanted pregnancy, just like Kate, and she’s reportedly never left.

In 1983 a Secret Service Agent serving under H.W. Bush ran from 3502 in the middle of the night when his curtains started to blow from behind closed windows, and a glow emanated from the walls and floor.

We immediately saw why both a President and a Mistress would be kept in 3502. We got there by climbing 5 flights of stairs to the top of the Hotel, and following twisting and unnecessary hallways. 3502 is isolated by locked and unidentified surrounding rooms, as well as oddly placed ice machines.

It took effort, patience and a little luck. I’m certain we would not have found it had we not been looking for it.

And, although nothing happened – no flying bottles or apparitions – walking up to this room is the only time I wanted to run for the exit. Inexplicably but absolutely, run for a door, any door.

And that’s when we called it a night.

I don’t know if I believe in ghosts. Like most people, I’ve had experiences I can’t logically explain (I seem to attract unmanned slamming doors). Nevertheless, I tend to think there’s a reasonable explanation – construction, old air vents, thieves, etc.

But there’s no denying that I wanted OUT of that hallway. And I can give no logical explanation. I would blame it on adrenaline from the thrill of the hunt, but by the time we got to the room I was more ready for bed than confronting an apparition.

The hallways at the Del are, by turn, uncomfortably small and oddly wide. It looks like a hotel that has been built up and redesigned over the course of several decades - because it has. Balconies, rooms, walkways and windows have been added.

Off-white paint covers the walls and ceilings. Carpeting is green floral and chandeliers-like fixtures are the primary light sources. Doorknobs are from different eras. A black and steel cage-elevator stands in the middle of it all, like a tiny jail transporting guests at a painfully slow speed.

If you want a hotel that’s stayed true to its Victorian roots, this is your place. Bronze lamps turn to blue from time and oxidation. Chairs and couches are velvet with worn patches and lumpy seats.

And the Del routinely sells out. Even when low-end rooms cost $200. Even during a recession.

It lies at the foot of the Coronado beach, routinely rated as one of America’s top beaches, with its pristine white and gold flaked sand. Tourists from all over the world flock there for ocean and beauty.

The Del’s public areas are lovely and welcoming. A skating rink with an ocean view is set up in winter. There’s a gelato shop with the best product I’ve tasted outside of Italy, and my favorite sandwich (fresh turkey, fig jam and brie on a French roll) sells for $13.